LOS ANGELES — Jamal Crawford entered Staples Center via the same ramp he had for five seasons with the Clippers. He walked the same route to the locker room, said “hello” and “how are you doing?” to the same arena employees and team officials as in the past.

This time, he said it felt “weird” to be back at a place he called home for more seasons and more games than he played anywhere else during his standout 17-year NBA career. He entered the visitor’s locker room instead of...